Nastasic blow for City

Defender sidelined for up to six weeks

Serbian centre-half Matija Nastasic is set to miss the first month of the season with an ankle injury picked up during a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong.

The defender was stretchered off in the Barclays Asia Trophy final win over Sunderland at the end of last month, following much criticism of the risk posed to players by the rain sodden surface.

With Kolo Toure having been released by the club at the end of last season, the Blues may be in the market for a new centre half before the transfer window closes at the end of August. Rumours persist that Real Madrid's Pepe remains a target.